Morgan Community College offers free tax preparation

Learn what to deduct

Morgan Community College instructor Laurie Morris, standing, helps out with a tax file as part of a program that offers free tax preparation for local residents.
(Dan Barker/Fort Morgan Times)

Rent, heat, property taxes, day care and educational expenses are just some of the things people can take off their income taxes -- which the experts at the Morgan Community College free tax service can counsel them on.

On Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., business students and volunteers will be on hand at the college's main building to help people fill out their tax forms online.

This is the fifth year the program has been available at MCC, said business faculty member Laurie Morris.

Students in a business class learn how to do tax preparation during a fall class. In the spring, they use that new knowledge to help local residents figure out what they owe to the IRS and what they can get back, she said.

April Simmons, an accountant volunteer at the Morgan Community College tax services program, works on the income taxes for Jaqueline Bonillo of Fort Morgan Saturday. Another session of tax preparation is scheduled for Wednesday evening.
(Dan Barker/Fort Morgan Times)

This is a chance for the students to practice their skills, and a chance for others to get help with the complex tax code.

The program uses IRS-approved computer software to file their taxes, Morris said.

Those who want the free help need to bring in their social security numbers, last year's tax return if possible, their income forms such as w-2 or 1099 and day care information if that applies, she said.

She said that the program sees quite a few retired people coming in for help.

One of the things the volunteers and students can do is fill out the Colorado Property Tax, Rent and Heat Rebate form. Single people 65 or older must have $12,481 per year or less in income to be eligible for the tax break, and married couples must have $16,476 or less in income.

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However, if they meet those levels they can subtract rent, heating costs or property taxes from their income tax.

Surviving spouses 58 years old or older can take advantage of it, too, as long as they did not divorce the spouse.

A disabled person of any age who was unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity for medical reasons can also take the breaks.

All of these people must have lived in Colorado the whole past tax year, be lawfully present in the U.S., paid rent, property tax or heating and not be claimed as a dependent by someone else.

Educational tax credits are also available for those who paid for college, but they must bring in documentation from the college to prove it.

Wednesday is the last day for the program at MCC, but the Morgan County Family Center will continue it through the tax season ending April 15. These sessions are usually held on Friday nights, and people must make an appointment.

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